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Grand-Am: Andy Lally joins Magnus Racing full-time in 2012

Andy Lally drove in the Grand-Am race at Watkins Glen in 2011. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Andy Lally will return to Grand-Am's Rolex Sports Car Series in 2012 with a full-time seat at Magnus Racing, the team said on Tuesday.

Lally competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2011 and took home rookie of the year honors despite a challenging season with TRG. He also kicked off the year by scoring his third Rolex 24 at Daytona victory.

The New York native is known as a Porsche specialist. Most of Lally's successes over the last eight years have been at the wheel of Porsche machinery, including the 2004 Rolex Series championship and Rolex 24 GT wins in 2009 and 2011. Lally, a three-time Rolex Series champion (2001 SRP II, 2004SGS, 2006 Rolex GT), is also Grand-Am's all-time mileage and podiums leader.

Magnus Racing said its hiring of Lally was a natural fit for its focus of winning races and the 2012 Rolex Series GT title. Lally will team up with driver/owner John Potter behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

"We're extremely happy to welcome Andy in to our camp for 2012," Potter said. "Andy is not only a tremendous talent, but he provides a great spirit and leadership with him. We had a great time together in 2009, and considering his relationship with most of our crew, he's already a part of the family."

Lally added, "This is a new chapter for me and something I am very much looking forward to. John has built a great team here and it is an honor for me to be a part of it now. I've raced with John in the past and we have always stayed in touch and been friendly. I love the attitude of the team and respect what they are trying to do. We have big goals. and I will be working hard to do my part."

Potter and Lally will begin preparing for the 2012 season during the test at Daytona International Speedway on Dec. 6-7.